The bill that I filed on behalf of many of my colleagues makes it clear that if you violate basic human rights, don't ask for the privilege to visit the United States.

it would send a very powerful signal to the Russian people that the United States is stepping up its willingness to invest in their future.

We'll continue to demonstrate our support, not for particular candidates or electoral outcomes, but for a process that is more open and genuine.

The United States cannot make Russia respect human rights and we cannot build democracy in Russia.

Good morning, everyone. We're going to try and begin right on time because we have votes scheduled.

I think that the curtain has gone up on a new act right now since last weekend's elections.

A strong, successful, and transparent Russia that protects the rights of its citizens is squarely in the interests of the United States and the entire international community.

This is an extremely important measure that Congress needs to pass as quickly as possible.

We think that is something we should all be doing. And I applaud the administration for taking action under the authority that they have.

I think I certainly have had a perception, that I think is shared by many, that President Medvedev has been easier to deal with in terms of human rights concerns.

That's why we all get concerned about this, is that there are so many Sergei Magnitsky's that are out there.

The legislation, named in his honor, would blacklist any Russian believed to be responsible for major human rights violations from receiving a visa to travel to the United States.